Lord’s Day, Vol. 5 No. 41
Forerunners of the Reformation
John Wycliffe
In the 14th Century a young man was enrolled at the University of Oxford, of whom his teachers had great expectations. John Wycliffe, for such was his name, had a brilliant mind, undaunted courage, and a silver tongue. He also developed great skill with the pen. The date of his birth and the precise spot where it took place are not known, but in all probability it was during the period 1320-24, and in or near the village of Old Richmond in Yorkshire. He would doubtless be about 16 years old when he went to Oxford.. He remained in association with the University for the rest of his life, becoming a Fellow, and then in 1361 the Master of Balliol College. He became a Doctor of Theology there also.
The greatest of all the works of accomplished by Wycliffe was to translate the Bible into English, so that all who were able to read, or listen to the Word when read, could learn the truth of God.
Of the Book that had been the sealed-up Book
He tore the clasps, that the nation
With eyes unbandaged might look thereon
And therein find salvation.